Zelenskyy Reports Ukrainian Military Control in Sumy Region Despite Russian Capture of Village

Ukrainian Defense Forces Maintain Control in Sumy Sector

According to Главком: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine's Defense Forces retain control of the Sumy sector, even though Russian troops have occupied the village of Sopych. The invaders forcibly deported approximately 19 civilians who had remained in the settlement despite evacuation orders to Russia. Sopych is part of the Esman community in Sumy Oblast. This region has been a frequent target of cross-border incursions and shelling since the full-scale invasion began.

Commander of the Joint Forces, Mykhailo Drapatyi, noted that the Russian command intends to establish a 'sanitary zone' along the Ukrainian border. According to him, the occupiers' goal is to penetrate up to 20 kilometers deep into the territories of Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.

"It's no secret that they want to create a buffer zone in both Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, and beyond. No one has abandoned this goal. But we are not abandoning our goals either." - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President also assured that the situation in Sumy Oblast is under control and that "there are no risks today." He added that the Armed Forces will resolve all issues according to their objectives. "We are fighting there, we are defending our villages, our civilian infrastructure, our cities. Russia is fighting against civilian targets, while our targets are military," Zelenskyy stated.

Strategic Importance of the Sumy Sector

The situation on the Sumy front is a critical part of the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia, where territorial control holds significant strategic value. The occupation of Sopych and the deportation of civilians point to an escalation of violence and human rights abuses. The persistent confrontation between Ukrainian and Russian forces underscores the urgent need to protect civilians and defend Ukrainian territory.

Remaining active in defense, Ukrainian forces are working to contain enemy advances, a task that demands constant attention and resources from the state.